The Miracles of the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C Series Email 7 of 7)

Dear Reader,

 
Have you ever wondered if miracles still happen today?
 
When we think of miracles, our minds often go to the incredible events recorded in the Bible or the Book of Mormon—seas parting, the blind receiving sight, angels appearing. But did you know that the Doctrine and Covenants is also filled with miracles—signs of God’s power working among His people in the latter days?
 
Some might say that miracles were only for ancient times, but the Doctrine and Covenants tells a different story. The miracles in these sacred revelations show us that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Doctrine and Covenants 20:12). His power didn’t end with biblical times—it continues today, just as it did in the early days of the Restoration.
 
Let’s take a look at some of the incredible miracles found in the Doctrine and Covenants and what they teach us about God’s power in our own lives.
 
Photo of Thomas B. Marsh
 

The Miracle of the First Vision

 
One of the greatest miracles recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants is the First Vision. Imagine a young boy, Joseph Smith, searching for truth in a time of great religious confusion. He read in James 1:5:
 
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
 
With childlike faith, Joseph went into a grove of trees to pray, expecting an answer. What happened next changed the course of history forever.
 
In Doctrine and Covenants 76:23-24, Joseph and Sidney Rigdon later testified:
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father."
 
God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith! This miraculous event restored the knowledge that God still speaks to His children and that revelation is real.
 

What This Means for Us:
The First Vision reminds us that when we sincerely seek truth, God will answer us. Maybe we won’t see a vision of heaven opening, but through the Holy Ghost, we can receive personal revelation, guidance, and miracles in our own lives.
Governor Lilburn W. Boggs

The Miracle of the Book of Mormon’s Translation

 
The Book of Mormon itself is a miracle. The Doctrine and Covenants records the process of its translation—a work that, by all logic, should have been impossible.
Joseph Smith, a young farm boy with little formal education, translated 531 pages of sacred scripture in about 65 working days (April–June 1829). That means he translated 8 pages per day—without revisions or rewrites! Compare that to modern translators, who can take years to translate a single book.
 
In Doctrine and Covenants 1:29, the Lord declares:
 
"And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God."
 
Eyewitnesses, including Oliver Cowdery and Emma Smith, described the process as miraculous. Joseph dictated long passages without even looking at previous sections—something humanly impossible without divine aid.
 
What This Means for Us:
Sometimes, God calls us to do things that feel beyond our ability. But just as He strengthened Joseph Smith, He will strengthen us. When we trust in God’s power, we can accomplish things that seem impossible.
Portrait of John C. Bennett

Miraculous Healings in the Early Church

 
The Doctrine and Covenants contains powerful stories of divine healings, proving that the power of the priesthood is real.
 
One incredible account comes from Doctrine and Covenants 66, where the Lord spoke to William E. McLellin, promising that He would heal him if he had faith.
Another famous healing occurred during Zion’s Camp in 1834. The camp was struck by cholera, and many Saints were afflicted. Joseph Smith, despite his own suffering, went among them, healing several individuals through priesthood blessings. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:48, the Lord promised:
 
"He that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed."
 
Another miraculous healing occurred when Newel K. Whitney’s shattered leg was healed after a priesthood blessing from Joseph Smith. The healing defied medical expectations, yet Newel recovered and continued to serve faithfully.
 
What This Means for Us:

Miracles of healing still happen today! While not everyone is healed physically, the Lord provides spiritual and emotional healing to those who seek Him in faith. Priesthood power is real, and through faith, we can witness miracles in our lives.
Portrait of John C. Bennett

The Miracle of Protection in Missouri

 
The Saints endured intense persecution in Missouri, yet miraculous protection was given to them.
 
During the Haun’s Mill Massacre, many Saints lost their lives, but one child, Alma Smith, experienced an incredible miracle. He was shot in the hip, and his wound seemed hopeless. His mother prayed for guidance, and the Spirit instructed her to use a poultice of ash and slippery elm bark—something she had never considered. Against all odds, Alma recovered fully.
 
The Lord had promised His people in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88:
"I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
Even in persecution, the Saints experienced the Lord’s protecting hand.

God still protects His children. We may not face mobs or exile, but we all go through spiritual battles. When we turn to the Lord, He will send angels—both seen and unseen—to strengthen and guide us.
Portrait of John C. Bennett

The Miracle of the Kirtland Temple Dedication

 
Perhaps one of the most powerful miracles recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants occurred at the Kirtland Temple dedication in 1836.
 
After years of sacrifice, the Saints completed the Lord’s house. On March 27, 1836, they gathered for the dedication—and what followed was nothing short of miraculous.
 
Joseph Smith recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 110 that Jesus Christ Himself appeared in the temple:
 
"We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber." (D&C 110:2)

Not only that, but Moses, Elias, and Elijah also appeared, restoring essential priesthood keys that would bless all future generations.
 
Eyewitnesses described a great spiritual outpouring, with some seeing angels and others speaking in tongues. The glory of God filled the temple, testifying that the Lord accepted their sacrifice.
 
What This Means for Us:
God honors sacrifice. When we dedicate ourselves to His work—whether by serving in the temple, fulfilling a calling, or strengthening our families—He blesses us in miraculous ways. The power of the temple is real, and as we make it a priority, we will see God’s hand in our lives.
Portrait of John C. Bennett

Conclusion: Miracles Still Happen

 
The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern miracles, proving that God’s power wasn’t just for ancient times—it’s for us today.
 
From the First Vision to the translation of the Book of Mormon, from healings to angelic visitations, the Lord has continued to show His power in these latter days. And here’s the best part: Miracles haven’t ceased!
 
In Doctrine and Covenants 35:8, the Lord declares:
 
"For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name."
 
Miracles are real. They happen in temples, in homes, in hospital rooms, and in quiet moments of prayer. If you are seeking a miracle in your own life, turn to the Lord. His power is as present today as it was in the days of Joseph Smith.
 
Thank you so much for joining me in the newsletter sequence as we prepare for this year’s Come, Follow Me. I’ve learned a lot and have been inspired, and have absolutely loved reading your emails and personal stories as we gone through. 

Love,

Emily Clark
Acquisitions & Marketing Manager 
The Cedar Fort Family
 
P.S. If you've enjoyed this series, be sure to check out our Doctrine and Covenants Series here, and keep studying the D&C and learn more about its History all year! 

P.P.S. Read the full Doctrine and Covenants Series below.